FRESNO - On Thursday, detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Sex Crimes Unit arrested 40 year old Michael Dean Morton of Fresno. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail on a felony charge of unlawful sex with a minor. He has since posted the necessary bond to bail out of jail.

Earlier this week, detectives received a report that Michael Morton had been involved in a sexual relationship with a former student at Central West High School. The alleged activity took place in 2015, shortly after the 17 year old girl had graduated from Central West. Detectives conducted interviews and developed enough information to arrest Morton.

On Thursday, detectives contacted Morton at Central West High School and placed him under arrest. Detectives have determined that none of the sexual activity between Morton and the victim took place on school grounds. This remains an ongoing investigation.

Central Unified School District has released the following statement. “Effective immediately, Mr. Morton is no longer an employee with Central Unified School District. We are fully cooperating with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and will continue to do so through the course of its investigation.

There is a possibility that there are other victims out there who have not reported Morton’s illegal activity. If you are aware of such behavior, please contact Detective Lorena Jimenez at (559) 600-8221 or call Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).